Alright, as promised in my previous post, I am back with “the first part of the other part” of my journey in Nepal 😃 After completing my volunteer stint at the college in the Far-west region of Nepal. I traveled to Pokhara via a 19-hour-long bus journey. I decided to do the Annapurna Base Camp trek between the Annapurna Base Camp trek and the Everest Base camp trek. I did the ABC trek in less than 4 days during the rainy season of June. It was quite simply one of the best trekking experiences of my life. In this post, you will find the Solo Backpacker Guide To Annapurna Base Camp Trek
DAY 1: POKHARA TO GHANDRUK
On Day 0, I obtained the TIMS card and Permit for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara Tourist Office. The next day, I traveled to Ghandruk from Pokhara via Local bus (Departure time was 9.05 am). I met a group of cousins from Kathmandu on the bus. We decided to do the trek together and spent the night at Chhomrong on Day 1. After the smooth and bumpy ride, we reached Ghandruk at 12.30 pm.
DAY 1: GHANDRUK-KOMRONG-KIMRONG- CHHHOMRONG
DAY 2: CHHOMRONG-SINUWA-BAMBOO-DOVAN-HIMALAYA-DEURALI-MBC
DAY 3: MBC-ABC-CHHOMRONG
The next day, I woke up at 4.30 am to continue my trek to Annapurna base camp. It is important to reach ABC i.e. Annapurna base camp (Elevation: 4130 m) early in the morning to avoid cloudy weather and have a clear view of the mighty Annapurna ranges. Annapurna is a 55 km long massif consisting of 30 peaks. Annapurna I (main) is the 10th highest mountain in the world. Its elevation is 8091m. I reached Annapurna base camp in an hour or so from Machapuchare Base Camp. I was not 100% fit, but I decided to give it a go. I begin the last leg with music in my ears, a small bag on my back, and positive vibes in my heart. I listened to the “Aazaadiyan” (freedom) song from the “Udaan” movie on a loop. The song took me back to my first Solo trip ever to the Netherlands. I cried at first sight of the Annapurna. It was such an emotionally charged experience. I climbed up to the best viewpoint and sat there for more than an hour as if the Himalayas had cast a spell on me. I felt a touch of magic realism. I just kept looking at the Annapurna ranges. Majestic! After the experience, I was infused with insurmountable energy. I trekked all the way from the ABC to Chhomrong with a couple of breaks. On the way, I met the same group of cousins with whom I started the trek. Their plan was to reach ABC on Day 3. I wish them the best and bid them goodbye. I reached Chhomrong around 5.30 pm. It rained a lot that day, but I somehow managed to reach back to Chhomrong. This is the benefit of starting out early in the morning. I slept like a baby that day after a hot water bath.
DAY 4: CHHOMRONG-JHINU-SAMRUNG
PERMIT, FOOD, ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORTATION
TRANSPORTATION: Pokhara to Ghandruk bus timings are as above(see pic above). They depart from Baglung Bus Park in Pokhara. Most buses go up to Samrung as well. The price was around 200 NPR. Samrung to Pokhara bus ply in the morning at around 8.30 am. Please check with locals regarding afternoon bus timings.
PERMIT: You need TIMS (Trekkers’ information management system) card and permit to do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It was half an hour-long process, and I did it in Pokhara at Tourist Police and Permit Office. Documents required are an Original Passport or Aadhar card(for Indians), Photos(Photos can be clicked at the office itself). TIMS card and Permit fees for different nationalities.
FOOD & ACCOMMODATION: On DAY 1, I stayed at Real Chhomrong Lodge and Restaurant. I paid 800 NPR (Nepalese Rupee) for a night stay + Dinner + Morning Tea.
On Day 2, I stayed at Macchupuchare Guest House and Restaurant (Next to Nepal Annapurna Rescue Centre) I paid 1000 NPR for a night stay + Dinner + Morning Tea.
On Day 3, I stayed in Chhomrong for 800 NPR for a night stay + Dinner + Morning Tea.
I had my lunch at Bamboo guest house situated at Bamboo. Nepali Veg thali is 500-600 NPR. The place is run by an empathetic lady. They have a staying option too.
THINGS TO KNOW
- I would suggest you add one more day to my itinerary. You can stay at Bamboo or Dovan/Upper Dovan while trekking from Chhomrong to ABC. You can extend your trek by including Poon-Hill (Ghorepani) trek or by starting from Nayapul instead of Ghandruk. Check the above pic.
- Download the mobile application “Maps.me” and download the Offline Nepal map. The whole trail is clearly marked in the mobile application. You won’t lose your way if you just follow the trail.
- I left my big backpack in Pokhara. Carry a medium-sized backpack if you are not planning on camping by yourself. There are accommodations and restaurants in each of the villages/hamlets. The distance between two villages/hamlets is a maximum of a couple of hours. Carry less and enjoy more!
- All the above prices I mentioned in the “Food & Accommodation” are post-negotiation. Please note that I did the trek in the off-season of June. The mentioned prices may vary in the peak season.
- During the rainy season, a good poncho is a must. When it shines, apply sunscreen (SPF- 50+). Also, carry Cold Cream and a Lip guard. Your boots will be a lifesaver. So it is really important to wear comfortable and good trekking shoes. Carry a water bottle, a light hat, and a head torch.
- Pack a good amount of Dry fruits. It will keep your body warm.
- Consult your doctor for AMS-related medicine. You will be trekking up to 4130 m elevation.
- There are NO ATMs. Therefore, Carry ample cash.
- Drinking water (hot and normal) can be refilled at the villages/hamlets for a cost.
- Limited internet and network connectivity. NTC mobile network works better than Ncell mobile network. Wi-fi is available at some eateries and accommodations
- Folks, Please take your inorganic garbage back with you. Let’s preserve the prestigious Himalayan region for us and future generations to enjoy.
- PLACES ELEVATION- Pokhara: 822m/ Ghandruk: 2012m/ Komrong: 2220m/ Kimrong: 1715m/ Chhomrong: 2150m/ Sinuwa: 2340m/ Bamboo: 2310m/ Dovan: 2505m/ Himalaya: 2900m/ Deurali: 3200m/ MBC: 3700m/ ABC: 4130m.
I wish I could travel solo as well and enjoy these beautiful sceneries of nature. The “things to know” thingie is so helpful.
Oh my! This sounds like quite the expedition – not sure if I would be brave enough to try on my own! Luckily I can across your article and from all the photos and descriptions I almost feel like I was there!
This sounds like quite an adventure. The landscape is fascinating and is unlike anything I’ve seen before. Your photos show the beauty and remoteness of the country. Dried fruits is a good tip for other trekkers to know.
Your posts always give me the travel itch. I would LOVE to explore Annapurna myself.
Beautiful mountain views. Wow, I mean clouds even touch the mountain. I never knew this town existed.
I must admit to being quite intrigued to know that you did a 4 day trek in the rainy season to the Annapurna Base Camp. Even with the grey skies, the views are amazing along the way. The mist in the valleys make the mountains look stunning. But how amazing it looks when the skies are clearer. Glad to hear that your sickness did not stop you from moving forward. I am sure your tips will help others to plan this trek.
Just like you, I would probably be emotional and crying once I get hold of the sight of the Annapurna. The views are amazing! I don’t know if I would be able to get past through that suspension bridge. It looks scary but at the same time exciting.
Wow, what a wonderful place to visit and take memorable moments in this place. Thank you for sharing!
This looks like an amazing trip! I wish I had the time to do something like this!
Wow – the Anapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the epic hikes of the world. Amazing pictures too! Good to know that permits are not too difficult to obtain – even for solo hikers. I would try not to go in the rainy season though.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek seems like a great hike. I would like to visit the famous hot spring in Jhinu. Too bad, you did not have the chance to visit it.
I am in awe of your Solo Backpacker Guide To Annapurna Base Camp Trek. This place is on my dream list, but during my visit to Nepal in 2008, I couldn’t make it come true because there were riots. I want to go back to Pokhara and go to this base. Excellent and constructive tips on how to organize such an adventure. I don’t know if I would go on a lonely hike, but I would like to do this tour. Crossing these hanging bridges, shrouded in the morning fog in the mountains scenery, is incredibly picturesque. Bamboo, waterfalls, and caves are breathtaking. Great to know that it is essential to reach ABC early in the morning to avoid cloudy weather and have a clear view of the Annapurna ranges.
Wow! This was a long trek you guys had! I don’t know if I would have crossed over on that bridge without getting a fright of my life.
Thank you for sharing these helpful and very detailed post. The view is just breathtaking. Would love to experience the “solo into the wild” too. Good thing you got back safely despite the rain.
The view is mesmerizing! Who would have thought that India almost got everything? I commend your dedication to exploring this magnificent beauty. I honestly couldn’t do it myself.
This is NEPAL, Not India 🙂
A very useful and detailed guide for the camp trek. Thanks for sharing
Bookmarking this since I plan to travel to Annapurna next year. Thanks for this
Your Annapurna Base camp trekking experience is so inspiring and awesome right from start to finish. It’s an epitome of adventure soaking in the breathtakingly beautiful views of the lush green forest and the snow clad Himalayan ranges. And meeting the locals on the way and sharing a chit chat adds fuel to your spirit for sure